I bought a fab sewing book this week. It’s called “The Sewing Book” by Alison Smith and I think it’s really going to get a lot of use!

It’s got lovely step-by-step instructions on how to do practically anything sewing-related. Each step comes with its own colour photograph so you can see exactly what you should be doing. It also explains the properties of different types of fabric which I find really useful (I don’t know about you but I still don’t know my chambray from my chenille!).

It also has a “Project” section at the back ~ and one of the projects shows you how to draft a simple kimono pattern. Looking at the instructions I think I may be able to adapt the pattern to create the jacket for the Welsh costume (see last post). I’ve never tried drafting my own pattern before so that should be interesting!

I can say only one negative thing ~ and it has nothing to do with the book really ~ I bought my copy in Borders because Nat gave me a £10 voucher to say thank you for making the curtains. The book was £25 so I put £15 of my own money to it (little maths lesson there). I’ve just looked on the web for a picture of the book to post here and I’ve discovered that the Book People are selling it for £8.99! What did my mum always say “Act in haste, repent at leisure”? Oh well, I still really like my book …..